Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about JamboSim eSIMs. Can't find your answer?

General

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a data plan directly to your device. It's faster, easier, and you can switch plans without swapping cards. Learn more about eSIMs →

Is my device compatible with eSIM?

Most modern smartphones from Apple (iPhone XS and later), Samsung (Galaxy S20 and later), Google Pixel, and other manufacturers support eSIM. Check the full compatibility list →

How do I install my eSIM?

After purchase, you'll receive a QR code. Simply scan it with your phone's camera in Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. You can also enter the activation code manually, or use automatic installation on iOS 17+. You can also always find the full installation procedure - including QR code, activation code, SM-DP+ address, APN and other network settings - under My eSIMs in your account. View the full setup guide →

Can I use my eSIM on multiple devices?

No. Once an eSIM profile is installed and activated on a device, it is locked to that device's IMEI and cannot be transferred to another phone.

What are MCC and MNC codes?

Every mobile network in the world has its own fingerprint: an MCC (Mobile Country Code) that identifies the country and an MNC (Mobile Network Code) that identifies the operator. Together they form the PLMN ID your phone uses to recognise a network. Handy when you're checking which carrier your eSIM is actually connected to. Browse the complete MCC & MNC code list →

Calls & Messaging

Can I make phone calls with my eSIM?

Most JamboSim plans are data-only - for calls and texts you keep using your home number via Wi-Fi Calling or apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Telegram. A few destinations (notably the United States ) also offer data + voice + SMS plans that include a real local phone number (e.g. a +1 US number for calls and SMS within the country). You'll see the included minutes and SMS on the plan card before you buy. Learn how Wi-Fi Calling works →

Will WhatsApp and other messaging apps work?

Yes! WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other messaging apps work automatically with your eSIM data connection. No setup required, and your phone number stays the same.

What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work?

Wi-Fi Calling lets your phone route calls through an internet connection instead of the cellular network. With your JamboSim eSIM active, your phone uses the eSIM's data to connect to your home carrier, meaning no roaming fees. Full Wi-Fi Calling guide →

Data & Coverage

How fast is the data connection?

Our eSIMs connect to local carrier networks and support 4G/LTE and 5G speeds where available. Actual speeds depend on the local network and coverage in your area.

Can I use my eSIM as a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Yes! All JamboSim eSIM plans support Wi-Fi hotspot / tethering with no restrictions. Share your data with your laptop, tablet, or travel companions.

What happens when my data runs out?

When your data allowance is used up, your connection will stop. You can purchase a new eSIM plan or a top-up (where available) to continue using data.

What does "Unlimited" actually mean? ♾️

Jambo! Truly unlimited data for the whole validity of your eSIM, no nasty surprises and no counting megabytes. 🎉 You get up to 3 GB of high-speed data per day (resets at midnight local time). After that, your connection keeps going at reduced speed (around 1 Mbps ) so you never fully run out - perfect for messaging, maps, and light browsing. 🗺️💬 Ideal for travelers who want peace of mind without babysitting a data meter. Stream, scroll, share, and when tomorrow rolls around, your full speed is back. ✨ Yes, that means our Unlimited plans do have a Fair Use Policy (FUP) : 3 GB per day at full speed, then around 1 Mbps for the rest of the day. Our regular data bundles (1 GB, 3 GB, 10 GB and so on) have no daily FUP - you simply use the data as you like until the bundle is gone. Hotspot/tethering is always allowed. 📶

How do top-ups work? 🌴

Jambo! Top-ups let you keep using the same eSIM - no need to install a new profile or scan another QR code. You just add more data (and more days) to the eSIM that's already on your phone. Easy. ✨ The catch: top-ups don't stack, they restart from the moment we activate them. If you have 8 days left on your current plan and a 15-day top-up gets activated today, you get 15 days from today - not 23 days. The carrier network works that way, not us. So timing matters . 🎯 Good news: you choose when your top-up activates. When you buy a top-up from My eSIMs , we ask you when to activate it: When my current plan runs out (recommended) - we wait and fire it automatically when your data is nearly empty or your validity is almost up. Zero wasted days, no babysitting. ✨ Activate now - starts immediately. Pick this if your current plan is already done or you need a fresh window right away. Prefer fully hands-off? Switch on auto-renew in My eSIMs and we'll keep buying and timing top-ups for you until you turn it off. 🔁 Top-ups are only available for plans where the carrier supports them. You'll see a "Top up" button in My eSIMs if your plan is eligible. Otherwise you can buy a fresh eSIM and we'll send a new QR code. Heads up: if you have multiple plans on one eSIM, your phone uses the data from the plan that expires soonest first.

What does "activate when my plan runs out" actually do?

You buy and pay for the top-up today, but we don't tell the carrier to start it yet. Instead, we keep an eye on your current eSIM and only activate the top-up when your data is critically low or your validity is almost expired - typically within the last few hours. That way the new validity period kicks in right when you need it, and you don't lose any days you already paid for. You'll get an email the moment it activates. 📧

How much data do I actually need? 📊

Great question, and honestly, it depends on how you travel. A quick scroll-and-map traveler needs way less than someone streaming Netflix from a beach hut. 🏖️ As a rough guide per day: Light (messaging + maps): ~0.5 GB/day Medium (social + browsing + maps): ~1 GB/day Heavy (video calls + streaming + hotspot): 2-3 GB/day Want a personalized number? Try our Data Usage Calculator 🧮 - slide your habits, set your trip duration, and get an exact GB recommendation in seconds.

Do regional plans work across all listed countries?

Yes! Regional plans (like Europe, Asia, or Caribbean) give you a single eSIM that works seamlessly across all covered countries. No need to switch plans when crossing borders. Explore regional plans →

Will I get a local IP address from the country I'm in? 🌍

Jambo! Short answer: often yes, but not always . 🎯 JamboSim eSIMs use IP addresses and routing handled directly by the local mobile operators we partner with. In most cases you'll get an IP from the country you're actually in, which is great for maps, local content and everyday browsing. 🗺️ Because eSIMs ride on international roaming profiles for the best possible coverage, your traffic can sometimes take a scenic detour - routed through a central hub somewhere in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere - before it pops out onto the public internet. The exact routing is dynamic and depends on the carrier, network availability and roaming agreements at the moment you connect. We can't predict or guarantee a specific IP country, because that part is fully in the hands of the operators. 🤝 Heads up: if you specifically need a local IP for things like banking, streaming or geo-restricted services, we recommend pairing your eSIM with a VPN of your choice. 🔒

Purchase & Account

Can I buy an eSIM now and activate it later?

Yes - install any time before you fly. The eSIM stays dormant on your phone until it first connects to a network at your destination, and that's the moment your validity period starts. So you can buy weeks ahead, install at home, and not lose a single day of your plan.

When does my eSIM validity period start?

It starts the first time your phone connects to a mobile network in your destination - not when you purchase, and not when you install the profile. That means you control exactly when the countdown begins: just keep the eSIM line off (or stay off-network) until you arrive.

Do I need an account to purchase an eSIM?

You can browse plans without an account, but you'll need to create a free account to complete your purchase. Your account lets you manage your eSIMs, view QR codes, and track your orders.

Which payment methods do you support?

We support all major credit and debit cards worldwide - Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB. These are always available, no matter where you are . 💳 On top of that, we offer popular local payment methods based on your country, currency, and device. Stripe automatically shows the options that are most relevant and trusted in your region. For example: Netherlands - iDEAL, Wero Belgium - Bancontact Germany - Giropay, SEPA Poland - BLIK, Przelewy24 South Korea - Kakao Pay, Naver Pay And on top of cards and local methods, digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Link by Stripe, Amazon Pay, Alipay and Revolut Pay are available where supported. So your checkout may look a little different from a friend's in another country - but you'll always see the safest, most convenient options for where you are, plus universal card support everywhere. 🔒 Payments are processed by Stripe (PCI-DSS Level 1 certified). JamboSim never sees or stores your card details. Don't see your preferred method? Let us know .

Troubleshooting

My eSIM is not connecting to the network. What should I do?

Try these steps: Make sure the eSIM line is turned on in Settings → Cellular Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM line Set the JamboSim eSIM as your default mobile data line (keep your home SIM as the default voice line, needed for Wi-Fi Calling) Toggle Airplane Mode on and off Restart your device For a deeper dive, read our guide on the 10 most common eSIM problems and how to fix them . If the issue persists, contact our support team .

My eSIM has signal but no internet - could it be APN settings? 📡

Very likely, yes! The APN (Access Point Name) is the address your phone uses to actually reach the internet through the carrier. If it's empty or wrong, you'll see full bars but no data. The right APN for your eSIM is always shown in My eSIMs → tap your eSIM → Network settings . Just copy it into Settings → Cellular → your eSIM line. Full guide: APN settings on iPhone & Android →

Can I delete and reinstall my eSIM?

An eSIM can only be installed on one device . If the installation failed the first time, you can often still install it using the manual method - you'll find the step-by-step instructions under My eSIMs . If your eSIM was already successfully installed and you then deleted the profile, it cannot be reinstalled. In that case, please contact our support team.

JamboSim VPN

Does JamboSim also sell a VPN?

Yes. Besides eSIMs we offer the JamboSim VPN: a fast, no-logs VPN with servers around the world, built for travellers who want to stay private on hotel and airport Wi-Fi and reach their usual apps and streaming services from abroad. See the JamboSim VPN →

Can I use the VPN together with my eSIM?

Absolutely. The VPN works over any connection: your JamboSim eSIM data, hotel Wi-Fi or your home network. You can buy it on its own, or add it to your eSIM order in the cart and get everything in one purchase.

On how many devices can I use the VPN?

Up to 5 devices at the same time, with apps for Windows, macOS, iPhone/iPad, Android and Linux. Handy if you travel with a phone, laptop and tablet.

Do you keep logs of my VPN traffic?

No. We run a strict no-logs policy: no connection logs, no usage logs, no DNS logs. We simply don't store what you do online. Read our no-logs policy →

How do I set up the JamboSim VPN?

After purchase you'll find your VPN configuration under the VPN tab in My eSIMs : server list, WireGuard or OpenVPN configuration and your credentials. Install the app, import the configuration and connect. View the VPN setup guide →

Which VPN protocols do you support?

WireGuard and OpenVPN. WireGuard is the modern, very fast default; OpenVPN is the proven alternative that works on almost every device and network. How WireGuard works → · More about OpenVPN →

Still have questions? 💬

Our support team is here to help you get connected.